Graduate Education
Graduate Training
Graduate
students and postdoctoral fellows, of the Washington Center for Muscle
Biology (WCMB), conduct research in many diverse and stimulating
training programs. These include those seeking new and novel treatments
for muscular dystrophy and heart failure.
Our students are supported by research and teaching assistantships from
academic departments and individual research grants. They are also
supported by grants from the WCMB Student Fellowship fund, which are awarded on a competitive basis.
Muscle Biology Training Program (MBTP)
The MBTP complements current degree programs at WSU and in addition, awards a Graduate Certificate. This program and the certificate will soon be expanded to include on-line courses and on-site workshops for graduate students at other universities, assuring a national and international impact of the Center’s educational mission. Graduate students are offered a menu of classes that address the biology of muscle as well as the pathobiology of muscle-related diseases. It also enables them to participate in basic, clinical and industrial research programs located throughout the state.
WCMB Award for Research Excellence
Every year, one graduate student and one postdoctoral fellow (MD or PhD) is recognized for a research accomplishment that is above and beyond what is expected of a trainee. Awards are granted on a competitive basis and are supported by the WCMB Graduate Education fund. Competition is actually quite fierce as WCMB scientists are among the most productive and recognized in the field. Receiving this award, therefore, is a great honor.
A challenging curriculum
Graduate students enroll in a breadth of courses that build a solid foundation for advanced research in muscle biology. A sample of select courses offered at Washington State University and the University of Washington are listed below. The wide selection of courses, including many not listed, provides graduate students with the flexibility to customize their education and to enhance their research training.
Washington State University Courses (semester schedule)
| AS 440, Animal Physiology | AS 451/551, Endocrine Physiology |
| AS 488/588, Biotechnology | AS 504, Muscle Biochemistry |
| AS 520, Scientific Writing | EXSCI 565, Muscle Physiology & Exercise Biogenetics |
| EXSCI 567, Cardiopulmonary Exercise Physiology | BE 425/525, Biomechanics |
| BE 550, Cellular Bioengineering | BIOL 430, Methods of Teaching |
| MBIOS 401/501, Cell Biology | MBIOS 405/505, Cell Biology of Disease |
| MBIOS 413/513, General Biochemistry I | MBIOS 414/514, General Biochemistry II |
| MBIOS 454, Molecular Techniques | MBIOS 466/566, Physical Biochemistry |
| MBIOS 503, Molecular Biology I | MBIOS 504, Molecular Biology II |
| MBIOS 574, Protein Biotechnology | STAT 412/512, Statistical Design |
| VPH 505, Design/Analysis of Biomedical Experiments | VPH 555, General & Cellular Physiology |
| VMS 574, Cardiology | VM 510, Veterinary Microanatomy |
| VM 511, Veterinary Anatomy I | VM 512, Veterinary Anatomy II |
University of Washington Courses (quarter schedule)
| BIOC 405/406, Introduction to Biochemistry | BIOC 440/441/442, Biochemistry |
| BIOC 526, Developmental Growth & Differentiation | BIOC 566, Growth & Differentiation of Striated Muscle |
| BIOEN 440, Introduction to Bioengineering | BIOEN 501/502, Molecular & Cellular Bioengineering |
| BIOEN 586, Tissue Engineering | BIOL 401, Advanced Cell Biology |
| BIOL 462/468, Advanced & Medical Physiology | BIOL 405, Cell & Molecular Biology of Human Disease |
| BIOL 427, Biomechanics | BIOL 457, Chemical Communication |
| BIOL 506, Scientific Writing | BSTR 501/502, Anatomy & Embryology |
| BSTR 512, Human Microanatomy | PATH 450, Cell Biology of Aging |
| PATH 500, Molecular Basis of Disease | PATH 512, Molecular Basis of Disease: Death & Repair |
| PATH 515, Molecular Basis of Disease: Atherosclerosis & Myocardial Infarction | PATH 517, Biology & Pathology of Aging |
| PBIO 504, Biophysics of Nerve, Muscle & Synapse | PBIO 505/506, Human Physiology |
| PBIO 507, Cardiovascular & Respiratory Physiology | PBIO 550, Biophysics of Calcium Signaling |
| REHAB 442, Applied Kinesiology | REHAB 547, Biomechanic Basis of Exercise |
| REHAB 562, Motor Control |
Apply for admission
WCMB faculty are associated with various degree-granting units. Prospective students interested in muscle biology, muscle related diseases and/or exercise physiology, therefore, have the option of applying to a specific unit or to an umbrella program. Some programs require students to rotate through different research laboratories, before ultimately choosing a faculty mentor, while others allow students to join a lab immediately. Either way, prospective students should first visit the researchers page to find potential mentors and research programs that match their professional interests. They can then begin the application process by clicking on the links below.
Apply to the Graduate School at Washington State University.
Apply to the Graduate School at the University of Washington
Apply to the Graduate School at the University of Idaho